State police troop returning to NO

A newly re-established Louisiana State Police contingent, dubbed Troop Nola, is set to launch in New Orleans after Mardi Gras, with a goal of deploying 40 troopers to help police the city under a push by Gov. Jeff Landry. 

The State Police superintendent, Col. Robert Hodges, recently named a pair of leaders for the new troop, which is staffing up and equipping a home base with a planned launch in March.

The new troop tracks a campaign pledge by Landry to tackle crime in New Orleans from the state level, after a three-year surge in violence that began to wane before election day. (NOLA.com 01/21/24) Louisiana State Police to launch Troop Nola in New Orleans | Crime/Police | nola.com 

Small biz assistance program extended

The Restore Louisiana Small Business Program is extending the deadline for Acadiana businesses and nonprofits to apply for assistance through June 30. 

The program provides partially forgivable, 0% interest loans for non-construction expenses to eligible small businesses and nonprofits affected by eligible 2020-21 disasters - hurricanes Laura and Delta. 

Four partner lenders throughout Louisiana administer the loan program; however, businesses and nonprofits who apply during the extension need to submit their applications to the South Central Planning and Development Commission. 

Information on submitting an application and program guidelines is available at restore.la.gov/SBLP. For more information, call (337) 482-6312. 

Louisiana SCORE will hold a free virtual seminar on the basics of business finance for a start-up company from 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 23. 

DeSantis suspends presidential campaign Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his Republican presidential campaign on Sunday, ending his 2024 White House bid while endorsing his rival, Donald Trump. But as some Trump critics cheered, DeSantis nodded toward Trump’s primary dominance — and attacked Haley — in the exit video he posted on social media. This the scenario Trump’s foes in the Republican Party have long sought, raising the stakes for this week’s contest as the party’s last chance to stop the former president who has so far dominated the race. (The AP 01/21/24)